It's NEVER Too Late, for Number 8 - the most UNOFFICIAL, 'official' AKL thread yet!

[clanmcculloch]

I'm so excited to finally be staying at AKL. My DH has been saying no for a while but the right situation finally came up where he said yes so I get to check it out this coming February.

We booked a bunk bed pool view room. We have to have 3 beds because DD14 can not sleep with anybody near her (it's an autism thing) so the bunks are must-have for us. I booked pool view because we really don't want to deal with long hallways and pool view looks like it's restricted to a very limited area. View really isn't important to us and I'm just as happy to sit in a common viewing area watching animals as I am sitting in my own room (actually I think I prefer the excuse to get out of my room) and I'm the only one in my family who ever sits on a balcony or patio.

I can't wait to try all the amazing restaurants at AKL. Using Disney transportation exclusively, I don't like hopping to other resorts to eat so I plan to book a lot of ADRs at the various AKL restaurants. I see dining at my resort as being a part of my resort experience. I'm really excited.

Anyway, now that I've introduced myself and shared a bit about us, I have a few questions. I plan to look through this thread at a bunch of the info all of you have already posted, but I know it's going to take a while. I appreciate any help you all can offer even if it is repeated elsewhere in this thread.

Is the pool open 24/7? I realize that there aren't lifeguards 24/7 and that the slide is closed when there aren't lifeguards, but can people still swim outside of official hours? One thing we didn't like about our YC stay was that you couldn't even step into the main pool until 10am but we're real early birds.

What kinds of pool activities are there through the day? What other scheduled or organized activities are there around the resort through the day?

As I said, our priority in room location is to have the least walk possible when heading to the bus stops and pool and Mara. Is there anything I should specify as a room request? Floor doesn't matter since standing in an elevator for more floors doesn't make a difference and the view doesn't matter. I guess I don't know where the elevators are to know if I should be asking for near an elevator, near the lobby or something else in order to minimize the walk. Yes, those extra 20 steps matter when heading down half asleep to get my morning coffee. LOL!

Speaking of coffee, what time does Mara open? I assume that's where I get my coffee?

How long does it take to walk over to Kidani for dinner?

I'm glad to be here. I'm looking forward to reading all about the resort and all of you who love it.

 

[Pinkocto]

Wow--we're back home--and so don't want to be back home... LOVED AKL and yes, I'm hooked. Even more miraculous is my DH is hooked '

It is definitely the place to escape and feel like we were in another part of the world--a life changing stay for us... in a good way.

We were there for 7 nights - Savannah view studio on the Uzima Savannah - on rented DVC points--the room was perfect for us--we liked the more private feeling of Uzima--and were quite pleased with the animals that we got to know on our visit there... next time will be Arusha Savannah

Hardly spent any time in the parks--and I'm normally a rope drop to kick us out kind of gal--and I am OK that we didn't do much in the parks (DH is NOT a disney fan--but LOVED animal kingdom park which we did 3 days). He's already planning our next time there for our 10 yr anniversary - in 3 years... and said that he would actually consider DVC if we were younger and had kids... which is HUGE for him... so yeah - definitely a success!!

I plan to scan into my photobucket account the October list of activities (I know it's almost over - but it will be fairly recent for the next few months) and the list of Hidden Mickeys at AKL and hope to have them on here in the next couple of days.

Thanks again for all of your help over the past few months getting this planned!!

Sounds like you had a fabulous trip!

 

[Pinkocto]

Hi all,

We are going to be 'home' the first week of December, staying in a one bedroom and can't wait. Anyone else staying around the holidays?

Congratulations on your trip I'll be over at OKW the second week in December. All the decorations are just amazing.

 

[Pinkocto]

Booked AKL for MLK Day week in January! We are so excited as it's our first time there. We only visited once in 2007 to eat at Boma, and we knew we had to return eventually!

Congratulations on your trip!

 

[Pinkocto]

Jambo!

We are so excited to finally be able to stay at AKL this January! We ate at Sanaa last month and enjoyed everything - especially the Naan bread and dips. DD booked the room and requested savanna view - I have been reading through this thread and learning from everyone's expertise! Many thanks!! Just a couple of questions:

~ With a savanna view, should we request a specific trail or floor?
~ Jiko - has anyone tried the Wild Boar app? Is it spicy/hot or spicy with curry flavors? We are adventurous eaters but DH can't handle hot - sadly, if we walk into a Chipotle he begins to sweat!! Hopefully our server will rate the hot/spiciness factor for us; our Sanaa server was spot on in his descriptions.

TIA!

The Jiko staff are amazing. Just let your server know about the spicy issue and they'll take care of you. The chef has come out to chat with us about ingredients several times. They want you to leave happy. I'm mostly a veggie so have no idea about that app.

I like to let the chips fall where they may regarding room location. It depends how close you want to be to the lobby and animals. Lower floors give a more initiate viewing, higher gives a more scenic one. They're all nice to me.

 

[gwynne]

Jambo!

We are so excited to finally be able to stay at AKL this January! We ate at Sanaa last month and enjoyed everything - especially the Naan bread and dips. DD booked the room and requested savanna view - I have been reading through this thread and learning from everyone's expertise! Many thanks!! Just a couple of questions:

~ With a savanna view, should we request a specific trail or floor?
~ Jiko - has anyone tried the Wild Boar app? Is it spicy/hot or spicy with curry flavors? We are adventurous eaters but DH can't handle hot - sadly, if we walk into a Chipotle he begins to sweat!! Hopefully our server will rate the hot/spiciness factor for us; our Sanaa server was spot on in his descriptions.

TIA!

I had the delicious Wild Boar app a few weeks ago. It is spicy, BUT, just tell your server when you order what you said here, and that you'd like it prepared mild. They absolutely will do this for you.
I also highly recommend the Lake Victoria Perch. Not spicy, as I recall (you might ask), but wow, what a phenomenal dish. The tomato butter sauce served with it is a rare treat.
Another great, not spicy menu item was the Summer mushroom consumme. It may sound just OK, but I promise it will be one of the best soups you ever taste.

 

[Itinkso]

The Jiko staff are amazing. Just let your server know about the spicy issue and they'll take care of you. The chef has come out to chat with us about ingredients several times. They want you to leave happy. I'm mostly a veggie so have no idea about that app.

I like to let the chips fall where they may regarding room location. It depends how close you want to be to the lobby and animals. Lower floors give a more initiate viewing, higher gives a more scenic one. They're all nice to me.

Thank you Pinkocto for your great advice! DD was concerned that being near zebras might be the same as being near horses but it appears there are few animal smells. We visit AKL almost every trip because it is so beautiful and viewing the savannas is a relaxing break from the parks. I'm sure we'll be fine with whichever room we receive.
Thanks for the Jiko info! We are looking forward to eating there, in fact, we have two ADRs there because DD won't know her work schedule until two weeks before we arrive! I was thrilled to be able to get them and may keep both of them if we may want to have a second dinner there...DD does not like buffets so no Boma for us .

 

[gwynne]

Thank you Pinkocto for your great advice! DD was concerned that being near zebras might be the same as being near horses but it appears there are few animal smells. We visit AKL almost every trip because it is so beautiful and viewing the savannas is a relaxing break from the parks. I'm sure we'll be fine with whichever room we receive.
Thanks for the Jiko info! We are looking forward to eating there, in fact, we have two ADRs there because DD won't know her work schedule until two weeks before we arrive! I was thrilled to be able to get them and may keep both of them if we may want to have a second dinner there...DD does not like buffets so no Boma for us .

Just a suggestion, hope popping in is ok...
If you keep both ressies, maybe put a request in to sit at the Cooking Place for one of them. Would you be a party of three or so? It might not work for many more than 4, it would depend on how busy Jiko was, probably.
It is really fun to sit there. You get to watch the chefs work at the Cooking place, they make pizzas, some apps and salads there. They are all really nice, and will chat with you now and then. They are also great for answering questions, giving recommendations.

 

[Itinkso]

I had the delicious Wild Boar app a few weeks ago. It is spicy, BUT, just tell your server when you order what you said here, and that you'd like it prepared mild. They absolutely will do this for you.
I also highly recommend the Lake Victoria Perch. Not spicy, as I recall (you might ask), but wow, what a phenomenal dish. The tomato butter sauce served with it is a rare treat.
Another great, not spicy menu item was the Summer mushroom consumme. It may sound just OK, but I promise it will be one of the best soups you ever taste.

Thank you Gwynne! These are great tips - I love Perch and that dish caught my eye when I took a look at the menu. I hope the Summer mushroom soup is on the menu in January!

 

[Itinkso]

Just a suggestion, hope popping in is ok...
If you keep both ressies, maybe put a request in to sit at the Cooking Place for one of them. Would you be a party of three or so? It might not work for many more than 4, it would depend on how busy Jiko was, probably.
It is really fun to sit there. You get to watch the chefs work at the Cooking place, they make pizzas, some apps and salads there. They are all really nice, and will chat with you now and then. They are also great for answering questions, giving recommendations.

That's sounds so cool! Yes, we will be a party of three unless DD invites a friend and that would be an amazing experience for us all! Would I have to put in a request well in advance or would a few days before be sufficient?

 

[Flossbolna]

Is the pool open 24/7? I realize that there aren't lifeguards 24/7 and that the slide is closed when there aren't lifeguards, but can people still swim outside of official hours? One thing we didn't like about our YC stay was that you couldn't even step into the main pool until 10am but we're real early birds.

First of alL Hi and welcome! I hope you will have a wonderful trip. I can help you with these two questions, I hope others will chime in with further answers.

When I stayed at AKL it was never a problem to use the pool outside of opening hours. I even went for swims before breakfast at 7am. There was someone cleaning the loungers one morning and I even asked whether it would be ok to swim and he was very friendly and told me to go and enjoy the water!

As I said, our priority in room location is to have the least walk possible when heading to the bus stops and pool and Mara. Is there anything I should specify as a room request? Floor doesn't matter since standing in an elevator for more floors doesn't make a difference and the view doesn't matter. I guess I don't know where the elevators are to know if I should be asking for near an elevator, near the lobby or something else in order to minimize the walk. Yes, those extra 20 steps matter when heading down half asleep to get my morning coffee. LOL!

When you look at this AKL map: http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/aklmap.htm You can see the elevators marked at the right hand side of the lobby and then in Zebra trail where it branches out (after the second pod). If you are on Zebra trail near that elevator, it is really not far at all to the Mara. So for being close to Mara, your best bet would be to request Zebra trail, close to elevator.

 

[nancyc]

Hi all! I'll be staying at AKL in 3 weeks, so excited! It's our first time there, my DD loves animals so we can't wait! I've been reading lots of great info on this thread. Was wondering if the lobby has a spot that offers coffee in the morning? I realize the room will have a coffee maker, but thought I could get some GOOD, FRESH coffee. If not the lobby, does Mara carry good coffee or is it the Nescafe that's also served at the other resorts? Thanks for the help!

 

[gwynne]

That's sounds so cool! Yes, we will be a party of three unless DD invites a friend and that would be an amazing experience for us all! Would I have to put in a request well in advance or would a few days before be sufficient?

I would add it to my reservation. (Same way folks add birthdays, anniversaries, that sort of thing.) Call WDW dining, and ask that they add a note to your Jiko dining reservation. "Our party would like to sit at the The Cooking Place, adjacent to the pizza ovens and salad area."

Just so you know-- It's nice, clean and it's so fun to watch amazing food being prepared. The "real" kitchen is back further in the restaurant, behind a wall. You will have a nice place setting, just like all the regular tables in the restaurant.
(you don't feel the heat of the ovens at all, but it's amazing to watch the pizzas and apps made there.)
Enjoy your visit to Jiko! We love that place. Can you tell?

 

[kimmar067]

I had the delicious Wild Boar app a few weeks ago. It is spicy, BUT, just tell your server when you order what you said here, and that you'd like it prepared mild. They absolutely will do this for you.
I also highly recommend the Lake Victoria Perch. Not spicy, as I recall (you might ask), but wow, what a phenomenal dish. The tomato butter sauce served with it is a rare treat.
Another great, not spicy menu item was the Summer mushroom consumme. It may sound just OK, but I promise it will be one of the best soups you ever taste.

Just a suggestion, hope popping in is ok...
If you keep both ressies, maybe put a request in to sit at the Cooking Place for one of them. Would you be a party of three or so? It might not work for many more than 4, it would depend on how busy Jiko was, probably.
It is really fun to sit there. You get to watch the chefs work at the Cooking place, they make pizzas, some apps and salads there. They are all really nice, and will chat with you now and then. They are also great for answering questions, giving recommendations.

...great suggestions....THANKS!

 

[Itinkso]

I would add it to my reservation. (Same way folks add birthdays, anniversaries, that sort of thing.) Call WDW dining, and ask that they add a note to your Jiko dining reservation. "Our party would like to sit at the The Cooking Place, adjacent to the pizza ovens and salad area."

Just so you know-- It's nice, clean and it's so fun to watch amazing food being prepared. The "real" kitchen is back further in the restaurant, behind a wall. You will have a nice place setting, just like all the regular tables in the restaurant.
(you don't feel the heat of the ovens at all, but it's amazing to watch the pizzas and apps made there.)
Enjoy your visit to Jiko! We love that place. Can you tell?

Thanks again! Such great info!

 

[John's Mom]

Hi all! I'll be staying at AKL in 3 weeks, so excited! It's our first time there, my DD loves animals so we can't wait! I've been reading lots of great info on this thread. Was wondering if the lobby has a spot that offers coffee in the morning? I realize the room will have a coffee maker, but thought I could get some GOOD, FRESH coffee. If not the lobby, does Mara carry good coffee or is it the Nescafe that's also served at the other resorts? Thanks for the help!

No coffee in the lobby. Mara serves Nescafe.

 

[kimmar067]

No coffee in the lobby. Mara serves Nescafe.

....yes, but you can get a pressed pot of Kenyan coffee from Boma.....OUTRAGEOUS!

 

[t_daniels]

....yes, but you can get a pressed pot of Kenyan coffee from Boma.....OUTRAGEOUS!

Thank god. Always super relieved when I see the french press hit the table.

 

[nancyc]

Thanks for the replies. I've got a breakfast adr at Boma one of the days we're there, I'll be looking forward to it.

 

[kimmar067]

Thanks for the replies. I've got a breakfast adr at Boma one of the days we're there, I'll be looking forward to it.

....you'll enjoy THAT...